Carjacking and Armed Robberies in Rockford

Posted: Sun 9:30 PM, Sep 08, 2013

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- A violent night in the Rockford area after a carjacking and several robberies and police believe the robberies are connected.

The first robbery happened around 10:53 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Belmont on Rockford's northwest side. Authorities say the victim was getting out of a car when the suspect pulled out a gun, demanded personal items and then took off on foot.

Less than 15 minutes later, another person was robbed a few blocks away on City View Court. This second victim was also getting out of a car when the suspect pulled out a gun and demanded items. However the victim made a comment back and was hit with the gun.

The suspect is a black man between 5'8 and 5'11, weighing 170-190 pounds. He was wearing a red t-shirt and black pants at the time of the robberies.

Rockford police are also looking for the suspect who hijacked a car and then set it on fire. The incident happened around 1:45 a.m. in the parking lot of the San Jose restaurant on East State Street.

Police say the victim was called to another car by an acquaintance, when the suspect appeared, punched the victim in the face and then took his car. That vehicle was found about an hour later on fire on Harrison Avenue.

If you have any information on any of these crimes, call Rockford Police at 815-987-5824.

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